About the Project
This project will exploit the record of Arctic sea ice thickness change acquired by satellite altimeters to investigate its variability over space and time. Sea ice thickness is monitored from space by measuring the height of ice floe surfaces above the surrounding ocean, and assuming they float in hydrostatic equilibrium. Thanks to CryoSat-2, we now have over a decade of Arctic sea ice thickness and volume change measurements outside of summer months. Since 2018, the Sentinel-3A and -3B satellites have added to this record, allowing us to monitor changes in sea ice thickness at synoptic timescales. The project will combine these satellite observations with meteorological data and satellite imagery to provide an improved understanding of the mechanisms that have driven historical retreat and to identify processes that will lead to improved predictions for the future.
The project suits numerate candidates with a degree in a discipline such as Physics, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Computer Sciences, or Physical Geography and with experience of scientific programming or satellite data processing.
How to apply
Application requirements: A 500 word statement on (i) why you are interested in this project, (ii) which of your skills or experiences makes you a good fit for the project, and (iii) any ideas you have for the direction of your research.
Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the University's website. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Exploring Arctic sea ice variability using satellite and meteorological records as well as Andrew Shepherd as your proposed supervisor.
Funding Notes
3.5 year studentship (this includes a stipend, University fees and a research support training grant).
• The maintenance grant will be paid at the standard UKRI rate (currently £15,609 for 2021/22 and will likely increase in 2022/23 and each year of your study, approximately in line with inflation). Maintenance grants are not subject to UK income tax or National Insurance.
• You will receive a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) to cover conference attendance, research visits, and miscellaneous costs. There will also be additional funds available for necessary project-related costs that will be allocated on a case-by-case basis.
References
[1] Stroeve, J. and Notz, D., 2018. Changing state of Arctic sea ice across all seasons. Environmental Research Letters, 13(10), p.103001.
[2] Meredith, M., M. Sommerkorn, S. Cassotta, C. Derksen, A. Ekaykin, A. Hollowed, G. Kofinas, A. Mackintosh, J. Melbourne-Thomas, M.M.C. Muelbert, G. Ottersen, H. Pritchard, and E.A.G. Schuur, 2019: Polar Regions. In: IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate [H.-O. Po?rtner, D.C. Roberts, V. Masson-Delmotte, P. Zhai, M. Tignor, E. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegri?a, M. Nicolai, A. Okem, J. Petzold, B. Rama, N.M. Weyer (eds.)]. In press.
[3] Tilling RL, Ridout A, Shepherd A, Wingham DJ. 2015. Increased Arctic sea ice volume after anomalously low melting in 2013. Nature Geoscience. 8(8), pp. 643-646
[4] Lawrence, I.R., Armitage, T.W., Tsamados, M.C., Stroeve, J.C., Dinardo, S., Ridout, A.L., Muir, A., Tilling, R.L. and Shepherd, A., 2019. Extending the Arctic sea ice freeboard and sea level record with the Sentinel-3 radar altimeters. Advances in Space Research.
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